'Pillion Questions'
What advice you would give a pillion passenger?
  • Make sure they are wearing the correct clothing including an approved safety helmet
  • Make sure they sit on the bike astride, facing forwards with their feet on the foot pegs at all times
  • Tell them where to hold. Either to the rider or the grab rail
    Don’t fidget about
  • Lean with the rider and the bike into the corners
  • Don’t do any arm signals
  • Don’t look over my shoulder
What changes would you make to the bike if you were taking a pillion passenger?
  • Increase the tyre pressures according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual)
  • Adjust the suspension according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual)
  • Fold the foot pegs down
  • Adjust the headlights according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual)
  • Adjust the mirrors up, as the back will squat down
How is the extra weight on the back going to affect the handling?
  • Acceleration is going to be affecting
  • On more powerful bike the front could go very light
  • Deceleration is affected
  • Stopping distances are going to increase
  • Cornering is going to be affected
  • Centre of gravity is higher therefore it is wise to go into corners slower
  • Front wheel is going to be lighter. Therefore it will feel a little bit vague
What would affect your balance?
  • Wind
  • Drink/Drugs
  • Poorly maintained machine Additional weight Road surface

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